A Practical Guide for Transformative Growth Part 3

Daily Wisdom: A Proverb-a-Day

The Women We've Been Waiting For

Celebrate Everything: 3 Days to Joyful Living

Gratitude: Rooted in God's Goodness

Overcoming Suffering

BUSY

Acts Reading Plan

Jesus + Nothing

God Gives Good Gifts to Everyone

New International Version

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkISA">
      <div class="chapter ch62" data-usfm="ISA.62.1+ISA.62.2+ISA.62.3+ISA.62.4+ISA.62.5">
         <div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ISA.62.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">For Zion&#8217;s sake I will not keep silent,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ISA.62.1"><span class="content">for Jerusalem&#8217;s sake I will not remain quiet,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ISA.62.1"><span class="content">till her vindication shines out like the dawn,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ISA.62.1"><span class="content">her salvation like a blazing torch.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ISA.62.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ISA.62.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">The nations will see your vindication,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ISA.62.2"><span class="content">and all kings your glory;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ISA.62.2"><span class="content">you will be called by a new name</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ISA.62.2"><span class="content">that the mouth of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> will bestow.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ISA.62.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ISA.62.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">You will be a crown of splendor in the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">&#8217;s hand,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ISA.62.3"><span class="content">a royal diadem in the hand of your God.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ISA.62.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ISA.62.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">No longer will they call you Deserted,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ISA.62.4"><span class="content">or name your land Desolate.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ISA.62.4"><span class="content">But you will be called Hephzibah,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">62:4 </span><span class="fq">Hephzibah </span><span class="ft">means </span><span class="fqa">my delight is in her.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ISA.62.4"><span class="content">and your land Beulah</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">62:4 </span><span class="fq">Beulah </span><span class="ft">means </span><span class="fq">married</span><span class="fqa">.</span></span></span><span class="content">;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ISA.62.4"><span class="content">for the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> will take delight in you,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ISA.62.4"><span class="content">and your land will be married.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ISA.62.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ISA.62.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">As a young man marries a young woman,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ISA.62.5"><span class="content">so will your Builder marry you;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ISA.62.5"><span class="content">as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ISA.62.5"><span class="content">so will your God rejoice over you.</span></span></div>
      </div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch13" data-usfm="ACT.13.16+ACT.13.17">
         <div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.13.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: &#8220;Fellow Israelites and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me! </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.13.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">The God of the people of Israel chose our ancestors; he made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt; with mighty power he led them out of that country; </span></span></div>
      </div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch13" data-usfm="ACT.13.22+ACT.13.23+ACT.13.24+ACT.13.25">
         <div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.13.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: &#8216;I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.13.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.13.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">&#8220;From this man&#8217;s descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.13.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel. </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.13.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">As John was completing his work, he said: &#8216;Who do you suppose I am? I am not the one you are looking for. But there is one coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.13.25"><span class="content">  </span></span></div>
      </div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkMAT">
      <div class="chapter ch1" data-usfm="MAT.1.1+MAT.1.2+MAT.1.3+MAT.1.4+MAT.1.5+MAT.1.6+MAT.1.7+MAT.1.8+MAT.1.9+MAT.1.10+MAT.1.11+MAT.1.12+MAT.1.13+MAT.1.14+MAT.1.15+MAT.1.16+MAT.1.17+MAT.1.18+MAT.1.19+MAT.1.20+MAT.1.21+MAT.1.22+MAT.1.23+MAT.1.24+MAT.1.25">
         <div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="MAT.1.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">This is the genealogy</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:1 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">is an account of the origin</span></span></span><span class="content"> of Jesus the Messiah</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:1 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">Jesus Christ</span><span class="ft">. </span><span class="fq">Messiah </span><span class="ft">(Hebrew) and </span><span class="fqa">Christ </span><span class="ft">(Greek) both mean </span><span class="fqa">Anointed One</span><span class="ft">; also in verse 18.</span></span></span><span class="content"> the son of David, the son of Abraham:</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="MAT.1.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="MAT.1.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Abraham was the father of Isaac,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="MAT.1.2"><span class="content">Isaac the father of Jacob,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="MAT.1.2"><span class="content">Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="MAT.1.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="MAT.1.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="MAT.1.3"><span class="content">Perez the father of Hezron,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="MAT.1.3"><span class="content">Hezron the father of Ram,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="MAT.1.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="MAT.1.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Ram the father of Amminadab,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="MAT.1.4"><span class="content">Amminadab the father of Nahshon,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="MAT.1.4"><span class="content">Nahshon the father of Salmon,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="MAT.1.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="MAT.1.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="MAT.1.5"><span class="content">Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="MAT.1.5"><span class="content">Obed the father of Jesse,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="MAT.1.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="MAT.1.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">and Jesse the father of King David.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="MAT.1.6"><span class="content">David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah&#8217;s wife,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="MAT.1.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="MAT.1.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Solomon the father of Rehoboam,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="MAT.1.7"><span class="content">Rehoboam the father of Abijah,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="MAT.1.7"><span class="content">Abijah the father of Asa,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="MAT.1.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="MAT.1.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Asa the father of Jehoshaphat,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="MAT.1.8"><span class="content">Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="MAT.1.8"><span class="content">Jehoram the father of Uzziah,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="MAT.1.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="MAT.1.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Uzziah the father of Jotham,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="MAT.1.9"><span class="content">Jotham the father of Ahaz,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="MAT.1.9"><span class="content">Ahaz the father of Hezekiah,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="MAT.1.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="MAT.1.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Hezekiah the father of Manasseh,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="MAT.1.10"><span class="content">Manasseh the father of Amon,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="MAT.1.10"><span class="content">Amon the father of Josiah,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="MAT.1.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="MAT.1.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">and Josiah the father of Jeconiah</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:11 </span><span class="ft">That is, Jehoiachin; also in verse 12</span></span></span><span class="content"> and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="MAT.1.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="MAT.1.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">After the exile to Babylon:</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="MAT.1.12"><span class="content">Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="MAT.1.12"><span class="content">Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="MAT.1.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="MAT.1.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Zerubbabel the father of Abihud,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="MAT.1.13"><span class="content">Abihud the father of Eliakim,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="MAT.1.13"><span class="content">Eliakim the father of Azor,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="MAT.1.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="MAT.1.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Azor the father of Zadok,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="MAT.1.14"><span class="content">Zadok the father of Akim,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="MAT.1.14"><span class="content">Akim the father of Elihud,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="MAT.1.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="MAT.1.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Elihud the father of Eleazar,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="MAT.1.15"><span class="content">Eleazar the father of Matthan,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="MAT.1.15"><span class="content">Matthan the father of Jacob,</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="MAT.1.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="MAT.1.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="MAT.1.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="MAT.1.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Joseph Accepts Jesus as His Son</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="MAT.1.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="MAT.1.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:18 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">The origin of Jesus the Messiah was like this</span></span></span><span class="content">: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="MAT.1.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:19 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">was a righteous man and</span></span></span><span class="content"> did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="MAT.1.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="MAT.1.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, &#8220;Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="MAT.1.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:21 </span><span class="fq">Jesus </span><span class="ft">is the Greek form of </span><span class="fqa">Joshua, </span><span class="ft">which means </span><span class="fqa">the <span class="nd">Lord</span> saves.</span></span></span><span class="content"> because he will save his people from their sins.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="MAT.1.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="MAT.1.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="MAT.1.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">&#8220;The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:23 </span><span class="ft">Isaiah 7:14</span></span></span><span class="content"> (which means &#8220;God with us&#8221;).</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="MAT.1.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="MAT.1.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="MAT.1.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.</span></span></div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkISA">
      <div class="chapter ch9" data-usfm="ISA.9.1+ISA.9.2+ISA.9.3+ISA.9.4+ISA.9.5+ISA.9.6">
         <div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ISA.9.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ISA.9.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ISA.9.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">The people walking in darkness</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ISA.9.2"><span class="content">have seen a great light;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ISA.9.2"><span class="content">on those living in the land of deep darkness</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ISA.9.2"><span class="content">a light has dawned.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ISA.9.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ISA.9.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">You have enlarged the nation</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ISA.9.3"><span class="content">and increased their joy;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ISA.9.3"><span class="content">they rejoice before you</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ISA.9.3"><span class="content">as people rejoice at the harvest,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ISA.9.3"><span class="content">as warriors rejoice</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ISA.9.3"><span class="content">when dividing the plunder.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ISA.9.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ISA.9.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">For as in the day of Midian&#8217;s defeat,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ISA.9.4"><span class="content">you have shattered</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ISA.9.4"><span class="content">the yoke that burdens them,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ISA.9.4"><span class="content">the bar across their shoulders,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ISA.9.4"><span class="content">the rod of their oppressor.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ISA.9.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ISA.9.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Every warrior&#8217;s boot used in battle</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ISA.9.5"><span class="content">and every garment rolled in blood</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ISA.9.5"><span class="content">will be destined for burning,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ISA.9.5"><span class="content">will be fuel for the fire.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ISA.9.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ISA.9.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">For to us a child is born,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ISA.9.6"><span class="content">to us a son is given,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ISA.9.6"><span class="content">and the government will be on his shoulders.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ISA.9.6"><span class="content">And he will be called</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ISA.9.6"><span class="content">Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ISA.9.6"><span class="content">Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ISA.9.6"><span class="content">  </span></span></div>
      </div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkTIT">
      <div class="chapter ch2" data-usfm="TIT.2.11+TIT.2.12+TIT.2.13+TIT.2.14">
         <div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="TIT.2.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="TIT.2.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">It teaches us to say &#8220;No&#8221; to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="TIT.2.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">while we wait for the blessed hope&#8212;the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="TIT.2.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="TIT.2.14"><span class="content">  </span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkLUK">
      <div class="chapter ch2" data-usfm="LUK.2.1+LUK.2.2+LUK.2.3+LUK.2.4+LUK.2.5+LUK.2.6+LUK.2.7+LUK.2.8+LUK.2.9+LUK.2.10+LUK.2.11+LUK.2.12+LUK.2.13+LUK.2.14">
         <div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="LUK.2.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="LUK.2.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">(This was the first census that took place while</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">2:2 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">This census took place before</span></span></span><span class="content"> Quirinius was governor of Syria.) </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="LUK.2.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">And everyone went to their own town to register.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="LUK.2.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="LUK.2.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="LUK.2.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="LUK.2.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="LUK.2.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="LUK.2.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="LUK.2.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="LUK.2.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="LUK.2.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">But the angel said to them, &#8220;Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="LUK.2.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="LUK.2.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="LUK.2.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="LUK.2.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="LUK.2.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="LUK.2.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">&#8220;Glory to God in the highest heaven,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="LUK.2.14"><span class="content">and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="LUK.2.14"><span class="content">  </span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkISA">
      <div class="chapter ch62" data-usfm="ISA.62.11+ISA.62.12">
         <div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ISA.62.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> has made proclamation</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ISA.62.11"><span class="content">to the ends of the earth:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ISA.62.11"><span class="content">&#8220;Say to Daughter Zion,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ISA.62.11"><span class="content">&#8216;See, your Savior comes!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ISA.62.11"><span class="content">See, his reward is with him,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ISA.62.11"><span class="content">and his recompense accompanies him.&#8217;&#8198;&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ISA.62.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ISA.62.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">They will be called the Holy People,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ISA.62.12"><span class="content">the Redeemed of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ISA.62.12"><span class="content">and you will be called Sought After,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ISA.62.12"><span class="content">the City No Longer Deserted.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkTIT">
      <div class="chapter ch3" data-usfm="TIT.3.4+TIT.3.5+TIT.3.6+TIT.3.7">
         <div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="TIT.3.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="TIT.3.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="TIT.3.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="TIT.3.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. </span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkLUK">
      <div class="chapter ch2" data-usfm="LUK.2.15+LUK.2.16+LUK.2.17+LUK.2.18+LUK.2.19+LUK.2.20">
         <div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="LUK.2.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, &#8220;Let&#8217;s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="LUK.2.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="LUK.2.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="LUK.2.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="LUK.2.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="LUK.2.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="LUK.2.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="LUK.2.20"><span class="content">  </span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkISA">
      <div class="chapter ch52" data-usfm="ISA.52.7+ISA.52.8+ISA.52.9+ISA.52.10">
         <div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ISA.52.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">How beautiful on the mountains</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ISA.52.7"><span class="content">are the feet of those who bring good news,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ISA.52.7"><span class="content">who proclaim peace,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ISA.52.7"><span class="content">who bring good tidings,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ISA.52.7"><span class="content">who proclaim salvation,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ISA.52.7"><span class="content">who say to Zion,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ISA.52.7"><span class="content">&#8220;Your God reigns!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ISA.52.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ISA.52.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ISA.52.8"><span class="content">together they shout for joy.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ISA.52.8"><span class="content">When the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> returns to Zion,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ISA.52.8"><span class="content">they will see it with their own eyes.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ISA.52.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ISA.52.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Burst into songs of joy together,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ISA.52.9"><span class="content">you ruins of Jerusalem,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ISA.52.9"><span class="content">for the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> has comforted his people,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ISA.52.9"><span class="content">he has redeemed Jerusalem.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ISA.52.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ISA.52.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> will lay bare his holy arm</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ISA.52.10"><span class="content">in the sight of all the nations,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ISA.52.10"><span class="content">and all the ends of the earth will see</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ISA.52.10"><span class="content">the salvation of our God.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkHEB">
      <div class="chapter ch1" data-usfm="HEB.1.1+HEB.1.2+HEB.1.3+HEB.1.4+HEB.1.5+HEB.1.6">
         <div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="HEB.1.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="HEB.1.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="HEB.1.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">The Son is the radiance of God&#8217;s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="HEB.1.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Son Superior to Angels</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="HEB.1.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="HEB.1.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">For to which of the angels did God ever say,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="HEB.1.5"><span class="content">&#8220;You are my Son;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="HEB.1.5"><span class="content">today I have become your Father&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:5 </span><span class="ft">Psalm 2:7</span></span></span><span class="content">?</span></span></div><div class="m"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="HEB.1.5"><span class="content">Or again,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="HEB.1.5"><span class="content">&#8220;I will be his Father,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="HEB.1.5"><span class="content">and he will be my Son&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:5 </span><span class="ft">2 Samuel 7:14; 1 Chron. 17:13</span></span></span><span class="content">?</span></span></div><div class="m"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="HEB.1.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="HEB.1.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="HEB.1.6"><span class="content">&#8220;Let all God&#8217;s angels worship him.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:6 </span><span class="ft">Deut. 32:43 (see Dead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint)</span></span></span></span></div><div class="m"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="HEB.1.6"><span class="content">  </span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkJHN">
      <div class="chapter ch1" data-usfm="JHN.1.1+JHN.1.2+JHN.1.3+JHN.1.4+JHN.1.5+JHN.1.6+JHN.1.7+JHN.1.8+JHN.1.9+JHN.1.10+JHN.1.11+JHN.1.12+JHN.1.13+JHN.1.14+JHN.1.15+JHN.1.16+JHN.1.17+JHN.1.18">
         <div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="JHN.1.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="JHN.1.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">He was with God in the beginning. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="JHN.1.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="JHN.1.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="JHN.1.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:5 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">understood</span></span></span><span class="content"> it.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="JHN.1.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="JHN.1.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">There was a man sent from God whose name was John. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="JHN.1.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="JHN.1.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="JHN.1.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="JHN.1.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="JHN.1.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="JHN.1.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="JHN.1.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God&#8212; </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="JHN.1.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband&#8217;s will, but born of God.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="JHN.1.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="JHN.1.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="JHN.1.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="JHN.1.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">(John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, &#8220;This is the one I spoke about when I said, &#8216;He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.&#8217;&#8198;&#8221;) </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="JHN.1.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="JHN.1.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="JHN.1.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:18 </span><span class="ft">Some manuscripts </span><span class="fqa">but the only Son, who</span></span></span><span class="content"> is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

Advent: Prepare For The Coming Of The WordSample

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